The Thai military’s aggression against Cambodia has included the use of heavy artillery that damaged Buddhist temples, the bombing of Ta Krabei Temple and Preah Vihear Temple, and, most recently, the destruction of a statue of the god Vishnu. These sites are sacred places of worship and spiritual significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and followers of other faiths. For the true custodians of this heritage, witnessing such devastation brings profound sorrow and anguish beyond comparison. Those who are not the rightful owners, however, have shown no compassion for these religious structures or for the cultural and spiritual heritage they embody. They cheered and applauded while deliberately destroying and desecrating these sacred places of worship and religious faith. #ThailandViolatestheceasefire #India #Hindu #Buddhism
I’ve been sharing news and commentary about the Cambodia–Thailand conflict, and I want to be transparent about how I’m approaching it.
I assume misinformation exists on both sides. I’m sure I’ve shared some things that later turn out to be incomplete or wrong, because none of us has full visibility from a distance. A lot of what circulates comes from people near the front lines, local outlets, and official statements. Even international media often relies on those same networks, with limited independent access.
What I do feel confident about is the human cost. There is real destruction in Cambodia, needless civilian deaths, and massive displacement. There have also been military losses on both sides, even if the numbers and details are still unclear. Thailand has taken losses too, including lives, property damage, and displacement.
The scale is staggering, with reporting suggesting the combined displacement may be approaching one million people. That number should be enough to stop anyone from treating this as a clean story with clean heroes.
I also struggle with the proportionality of what we’re seeing. Cambodia is the smaller country, and the force being used looks excessive against the stated goals. When civilian areas are hit, or when there are reports of homes being searched and property taken, or pillaged, it’s hard not to see a pattern of intimidation rather than restraint. From where I sit, it reads like bullying, and it makes me doubt that peace is the priority.
On the landmine issue, I don’t know what to believe. Cambodia says it’s staged, Thailand says it’s proof of wrongdoing. Both claims carry obvious incentives. Planting new mines in areas Thai forces patrol would be reckless. At the same time, the incident was quickly used to justify a fresh round of fighting, and the response appears disproportionate to the trigger. That’s my opinion, and I’m holding it loosely because the facts are still contested.
It’s also worth saying plainly that Thailand pushes its own narrative, just as Cambodia does. If misinformation is the concern, it can’t be treated as a one-sided problem.
On a personal level, I care about the loss on both sides. I care about civilians, families, and children who end up trapped between decisions made far above them. I want lasting peace, even if that feels increasingly distant right now.
The “scam compounds” narrative is another layer that complicates things. Anyone who’s followed me knows I’ve been outspoken about scam operations and trafficking in Cambodia and the region. The scale is serious, it’s tied to corruption and impunity, and it’s not abstract to me. The more I post about it, the more messages I get from desperate people trying to get out. Some participants are willing offenders, many are victims, and that mix is part of what makes the system so hard to confront.
When Thailand says certain targets are tied to scam operations, alongside claims of military use, it becomes difficult to sort fact from justification. Cambodian officials sometimes deny both the military claim and the scam claim. Thailand’s choice of targets can look strategic, and it can also look like narrative-building. I can’t pretend I know which is true in every case.
Finally, I live in Cambodia and have for 15 years. I’m not neutral, and I won’t pretend to be. I’m biased toward the country I’ve built a life in, and toward the people I know here. At the same time, I try to separate what I believe is factual from what is clearly opinion, and I try to keep my commentary grounded.
I’m also operating in a place where speech has limits. Praise aligned with government messaging is safe. Public criticism can be interpreted as incitement or “causing unrest,” and that reality shapes what people can say openly.
At the end of the day, my position is simple. I want this to stop. I want civilians protected. I want Thailand and Cambodia to step back from escalation and find a path to real stability, not just messaging wins.
Dear Indian friends:
Please reconsider traveling to Thailand. Hindu heritage on Cambodian land has been destroyed, while Cambodia continues to honor Hinduism through its ancient temples.
Why support a country that disrespects your faith?
Cambodia has condemned the Thai army for demolishing a Hindu Vishnu statue in a disputed border area after more than two weeks of fighting between Cambodia and Thailand.
According to Cambodian officials in Preah Vihear, the statue was built in 2014 and stood several hundred meters inside Cambodian territory in the An Ses area. It was destroyed on December 22 using a backhoe loader. Video of the demolition circulated widely on Thai social media and was independently verified, with no signs of manipulation.
Cambodia says the statue was a religious site worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers and has accused Thai forces of damaging multiple cultural sites along the border during the clashes. Thailand has not commented on the incident and continues to say its operations only target military objectives.
By that logic, this Hindu statue was definitely a military target.
Even Thailand is now showing Red eyes to us.
Thai army has bulldozed statue of Lord Hanuman in captured area of Cambodia.
India govt should retaliate to save Sanatana dharma.
Please share this video as much as you can if you are a patriot and love sanatana dharma
🇰🇭😡🇭😡😡️😠The vicious and unforgivable actions of Thai soldiers, utilizing F-16 fighter jets to mercilessly bomb innocent Cambodian civilians and children near the Cambodian-Thai border, have led to the tragic loss of lives and injuries of numerous innocent individuals, as well as the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of refugees.
Thai Navy fire was reported in Koh Kong province in the early hours of December 13, prompting residents to flee their homes overnight.
Local residents say shelling occurred between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m., with people evacuating in the dark after hearing fire nearby. Families left quickly amid fear and confusion.
Local sources report that an F-16 strike destroyed the main water bridge at Thmor Da early this morning, 13 December. Critical civilian infrastructure has been damaged as fighting continues, despite what was described as an agreed ceasefire following a call last night between Cambodian and Thai leaders and Donald Trump.
What exactly is Thailand trying to hide?
- The failure at the SEA Games?
- The failure to help people suffering from natural disasters?
- The failing economy?
- Or are they using the border clash to gain popularity?
Ordinary, innocent people who only want a bit of peace and stability have been injured by Thai shelling, and civilians on both sides of this border are being caught in the crossfire.
BREAKING: Thailand’s 1st Army Region has crossed into Cambodia. The Burapha Task Force has seized Pairachan Village and is now setting up barbed-wire defensive lines, per Khaosod.
Thai military strikes Prey Chan, Chouk Chey villages, in Banteay Meanchey
This afternoon of December 8, Thai troops launched an attack on the Cambodian villages of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey, in O Beichoan commune, Ou 'Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, expanding on earlier attacks in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Video: https://t.co/ISJmtgSX52
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Preliminary information: As of 11:00 noon on this December 8, 2025, in Oddar Meanchey province, 3 innocent civilians (1 female) have been injured by an attack from Thai military forces and are currently being rescued by medical teams.
Source: Spokesperson of the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Administration, Mr. Met Meas Phakdey & TVK.
#Cambodia #កម្ពុជា #CambodianVoiceMatters #JusticeForCambodia